Myanmar's social organization to possibly become political party (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-12-06 16:46
Secretary-General of Myanmar's largest social organization U Htay Oo outlined
Tuesday that his Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) could
possibly become a political party in the future.
Htay Oo, who is also Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation with a military
rank of major-general, made the remarks at a press briefing here when asked
about the organization's future prospects.
The change of the status of the 22-million-member USDA from a
non-governmental organization to a political one depends on the wishes of the
people and changing situation prevailing in the future, said Htay Oo.
The USDA was set up in September 1993 traditionally with the country's top
leader Senior-General Than Shwe as patron of the organization. Other senior
state leaders also stand as members of the Central Panel Patron.
According to Htay Oo, the USDA was formed with the objectives of
"non-disintegration of the union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity
and perpetuation of the sovereignty to strengthen patriotism with a view to
promote national prestige and integrity, the development of nation and emergence
of a peaceful and modern state", practicing and abiding by five basic
principles, four oaths, 11 codes of conduct and 14 tasks.
He claimed that the number of his USDA members comprises 42 percent of
Myanmar's 54.3 million total population, in which farmers take 35.89 percent,
students 30.72 percent, workers 23.17 percent and others 10.22 percent.
Since its establishment, the USDA has been mainly taking part in and
contributing to the sectors of social affairs, education, environmental affairs,
healthcare and relief.
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